Great Lake Taupo – 'Nature’s Ultimate Playground'

Lake Taupo, surrounded by beautiful forests, volcanic mountains and snowy peaks in winter is a hub for events and activities year round.

The Great Lake Taupo region is undoubtedly one of the world’s most unique and picturesque areas. This popular tourist destination boasts the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, and our mountains are internationally renowned.

They form part of the dual World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park, and Mt Ngauruhoe featured as the ominous Mount Doom in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The active volcanic and geothermal region of Great Lake Taupo is a sporting mecca and nature-lover's paradise, especially for boaties and those keen on trout fishing. There are many activities centered on and around Lake Taupo and the numerous tributaries that feed into it. World-class trout fishing, scenic cruises, kayaking, sailing, white water rafting, wakeboarding and summer time swimming are all popular with locals and visitors alike. The Great Lake Taupo area really is nature’s ultimate playground.

Adventure and Sports Around Great Lake Taupo

Taking in the scenery on the Great Lake Trail

Now you're here it's time to enjoy the thrills, sights and sounds the area has to offer. Touted as an adventure lover’s playground by Lonely Planet, the region has every kind of adrenalin pumping activity you can imagine. Take your pick from jet boating, white water rafting, sky diving, motor racing, bungy jumping plus many more options.

The Great Lake Taupo region has also become a hub for multi-sport athletes, triathletes and mountain bikers. Taupo is host to the annual IRONMAN New Zealand event as well as various other sporting events throughout the year. The many mountain bike trails, including the Great Lake Trail, are internationally recognised with Taupo being named in 2013 as a Silver Level Ride Centre by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).

Winter Snow-Based Activities Near Great Lake Taupo

No matter what the weather in the Great Lake Taupo region, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for snow-based activities in winter, the mountains of Tongariro National Park, just an hour and a quarter's drive south of Taupo, offer endless winter fun. Two large commercial ski areas and one club field are situated on Mount Ruapehu. The ski season typically kicks off in late June and ends in early October, though there have been years when people were still enjoying snow into November. It’s well worth taking advantage of the winter months and heading up to the mountain with the entire family for some fun in the snow.

Relaxation in the Great Lake Taupo Region

If relaxation and leisure are more your style, you'll be at home here in the Great Lake Taupo region. Enjoy strolls and picnics along the lake, boutique shopping, gourmet cafes and bars with gorgeous mountain and lake views, soaking in hot pools, pampering yourself with thermal water beauty treatments and exploring Lake Taupo's rich cultural and ecological history.

Great Lake Taupo Towns

Taupo

The beautiful resort town of Taupo (sometimes misspelt as Toupo) is the hub of the central North Island, making it an ideal base for exploring. An easy commute from the major centres of the North Island, Taupo is the perfect place to meet friends and family. Top class restaurant and accommodation options abound, there are numerous art and craft galleries to explore, hot thermal pools for relaxing in and endless outdoor adventures await you.

Turangi

Put your waders on and discover the smaller town of Turangi, on the southern shores of Lake Taupo. Turangi is the hub of trout fishing in the region. Fishing lodges are plentiful and the local streams are usually dotted with anglers standing thigh-deep in the water. The scenic drive around the eastern shore of the lake, from Taupo to Turangi, offers stunning views.